TILDEN RESEARCH LAB:

BRAIN CELL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

We study the influence of hormones, neurotransmitters, and environmental stress on the growth of neurites (axons and dendrites) in crustacean neurons. Crustacean neurons are ideal biomedical models of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. They are structurally and functionally similar to human brain cells and respond similarly to oxidative stress, a factor in many neurological diseases. We are studying the protective and proliferative influences of MELATONIN, a hormone involved in regulating the circadian and seasonal timing of numerous physiological processes.

Sponsored by NIH Grant Number P20 RR-016463 from the INBRE Program of the National Center for Research Resources

Neurite Growth at 24 hr: Phase Contrast

Melatonin Receptors - MT1 (green): Confocal

Fiddler Crab Uca pugilator

We study X-organ cells from the X-organ/sinus gland complex of the optic lobes in the eyestalks. These neurosecretory cells synthesize a variety of neuropeptides important in regulating physiology and growth in crustaceans. They also respond to numerous neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, making them interesting model systems for the study of neuron growth, development, and disease.